Join KWA and our partners for our Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep!
Date and Time: Saturday April 18th, 2026
Event Address: Cherokee Park / Beargrass Greenway, parking at lot on Lexington Rd and Ledge Rd
Google maps link (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWeioDufB24PivsJ9)
Questions? Contact us: (502)802-8008 [email protected]
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Louisville Metro Sewer District (MSD), Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), Brightside, Louisville Clean Collaborative, Louisville Metro District 9 Councilman Andrew Owen, and Louisville Metro District 8 Councilman Ben-Reno Weber thank you for registering for the 2026 Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep! We are so excited to have you there.
Enjoy a special performance by musician Andy Branton, coffee and donuts, and prizes for the weirdest item found, as part of the celebration!
This cleanup will address areas in Louisville, Kentucky surrounding the Beargrass Creek and Cherokee Park. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and conformable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Date and Time: Saturday April 18th, 2026
Event Address: Cherokee Park / Beargrass Greenway, parking at lot on Lexington Rd and Ledge Rd
Google maps link (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWeioDufB24PivsJ9)
Questions? Contact us: (502)802-8008 [email protected]
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Louisville Metro Sewer District (MSD), Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), Brightside, Louisville Clean Collaborative, Louisville Metro District 9 Councilman Andrew Owen, and Louisville Metro District 8 Councilman Ben-Reno Weber thank you for registering for the 2026 Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep! We are so excited to have you there.
Enjoy a special performance by musician Andy Branton, coffee and donuts, and prizes for the weirdest item found, as part of the celebration!
This cleanup will address areas in Louisville, Kentucky surrounding the Beargrass Creek and Cherokee Park. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and conformable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- 8:30am-9:00am: Event check-in and waiver signing.
- 9:00am-9:15am: Short introductions and instructions.
- 9:30am-11:30am: Split into groups and set out to clean up.
- 11:30am-12:00pm: Reconvene at registration area for trash drop off and event conclusion.
The 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest: Free, fun, family friendly event with FREE live music, vendors, presenters and activities.
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May 16th: The 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest!
Co-hosted by KWA and Friends of Red River. Presented by Powell County Tourism & RRG Wolfe County Tourism. What to expect: Free admission, live music, family friendly, food and drinks (Thanks West Sixth Brewing!), a beautiful setting next to the Red River, and environmental education activities. Great Music: Bendigo Fletcher, Jordan Smart, Resonant Rogues, Jeri Catherine Howell, Ryan Harvey (The Winetree), The Montvales, Turtle Mountain. Clean Water Education Tent: Environmental organizations will be tabling and offering activities for adults and children. Kentucky Watershed Watch Water Sampler training from 11:00 am 1:00pm (sign up in advance here) Beautiful Location: We are returning for a second year to Red River Gorge Kayaking at 394 Sky Bridge Rd, Stanton, KY, 40380. (FOR GOOGLE MAPS (recommended): TYPE THE ADDRESS INTO GPS and not business name. Typing in 'Red River Gorge Kayaking' will take you to the wrong location.) Camping and Paddling will be offered onsite by Red River Gorge Kayaking + Campground. For camping book here. For paddling book here. These activities are not offered through KWA. Amazing Sponsors: A special thank you to Clay City Tourism, Red River Gorge Kayaking, and Kentucky River Authority. RED RIVERFEST: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WI-FI and cell service will be limited. WHAT TO BRING: -Please bring cash if you wish to make purchase from food vendors or donate to bands/ non-profits. - Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen - Water and Snacks - Camp chair and/or blanket to sit on - Umbrella or rain jacket. CARPOOL: There is limited parking at Red River Gorge Kayaking. Please try to coordinate with friends in advance if possible. Check back soon for a complete schedule of activities will be announced soon! |
Past Events
A Town Hall: Our Common Health, Our Commonwealth:
Who Decides What’s Safe? Connecting Legislation, Pollution, and Our Health
Environmental health, public health, and civic health are deeply intertwined. The condition of our air, water, and land shapes the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our democracy. Who shows up, who speaks, and who votes determines whether decisions reflect the public’s best interests or the priorities of corporate lobbyists.
On March 16th at 6:30 p.m., join Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Conservation Committee, and Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter for on Zoom for a discussion on how environmental decisions affect public health and how current proposed legislation would prioritize polluter profits over the health and safety of every day Kentuckians — making it nearly impossible for communities to hold corporations accountable when our most basic necessities are at risk.
Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky will share findings from their report How Can They Do That?, which examines how legislation can advance through the process with limited public visibility.
Together, we’ll examine how decisions made in Frankfort affect Kentucky’s natural resources and communities, and what Kentuckians can do to shape a healthier future.
Who Decides What’s Safe? Connecting Legislation, Pollution, and Our Health
Environmental health, public health, and civic health are deeply intertwined. The condition of our air, water, and land shapes the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our democracy. Who shows up, who speaks, and who votes determines whether decisions reflect the public’s best interests or the priorities of corporate lobbyists.
On March 16th at 6:30 p.m., join Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Conservation Committee, and Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter for on Zoom for a discussion on how environmental decisions affect public health and how current proposed legislation would prioritize polluter profits over the health and safety of every day Kentuckians — making it nearly impossible for communities to hold corporations accountable when our most basic necessities are at risk.
Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky will share findings from their report How Can They Do That?, which examines how legislation can advance through the process with limited public visibility.
Together, we’ll examine how decisions made in Frankfort affect Kentucky’s natural resources and communities, and what Kentuckians can do to shape a healthier future.
KWA Annual Meeting
Please join KWA for our Annual Meeting on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm on Zoom. We will reflect on the progress we’ve made to protect, restore, and celebrate Kentucky’s waterways, share our priorities for the year ahead, and offer a timely update on the state legislative landscape. This gathering will also mark the inaugural event for KWA's Kentucky Watershed Network new public conversation series — a space for connection, learning, and shared stewardship of Kentucky’s waters.
September is KWA Month at West Sixth Brewing!
September is KWA month at West Sixth Brewing! Join us for event at each of the West Sixth Taprooms in September to benefit KWA!
For each pint sold of designated beer sold, West Sixth for a Cause will donate 50 cents to KWA. For every beer flight sold, West Sixth will give customers the option to donate $1 to KWA. In addition, West Sixth will double their donation amount during Sixth for a Cause Happy Hours ($1/donation beer; 2 double nickels with each flight.
9/4: KWA Trivia Night at Lexington Taproom from 7:00-9:00 PM
9/6: Licking River Cleanup followed by Lunch & Happy Hour at Covington Haus from 12:00-2:00 PM.
9/11: Celebrate KWA Happy Hour at West Sixth NuLu in Louisville from 6:00 PM
9/27: Stone Skipping Competition At West Sixth Farm in Frankfort from 12:00- 5:00 PM
For each pint sold of designated beer sold, West Sixth for a Cause will donate 50 cents to KWA. For every beer flight sold, West Sixth will give customers the option to donate $1 to KWA. In addition, West Sixth will double their donation amount during Sixth for a Cause Happy Hours ($1/donation beer; 2 double nickels with each flight.
9/4: KWA Trivia Night at Lexington Taproom from 7:00-9:00 PM
9/6: Licking River Cleanup followed by Lunch & Happy Hour at Covington Haus from 12:00-2:00 PM.
9/11: Celebrate KWA Happy Hour at West Sixth NuLu in Louisville from 6:00 PM
9/27: Stone Skipping Competition At West Sixth Farm in Frankfort from 12:00- 5:00 PM
Commonwealth Confluence Summit, September 6
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners the Newport Aquarium, WAVE Foundation, West Sixth Brewing, Bluegrass Trout Unlimited, Banklick Watershed Council, City of Newport, Campbell County Waste Management, City of Covington, Covington Stormwater, Keep Covington Beautiful, Center for Great Neighborhoods, KYEEC, Republic Bank, Seaguar, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, Stantec, National Wildlife Federation, and ORSANCO are thrilled to announce our September 6th, 2025 Confluence Commonwealth Sweep!
Join us to cleanup the Licking River at the confluence of the Ohio River. At this event we are excited address both the Newport and Covington sides of the river! We are thrilled to partner with both cities as we cleanup General James Taylor Park and Randolph Park.
Free food, coffee, t-shirts, cleanup competition prizes and a happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus following the cleanup for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday September 6th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Location: General James Taylor Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport KY, 41071 Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3QBwiYNxXMFXPFf7
Registration: https://forms.gle/t33PD91qrgwGDooW6
Timeline:
8:30-9:00 am: Check-in at General James Taylor Park,
8:30-9:00 am: Welcome and Safety Instructions
9:15 am: Some volunteers will be shuttled to Randolph Park while others will stay at General James Taylor Park
12:00 pm: Cleanup ends
12:00-2:00 PM Lunch & happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus (add location)
We look forward to seeing you there.
Join us to cleanup the Licking River at the confluence of the Ohio River. At this event we are excited address both the Newport and Covington sides of the river! We are thrilled to partner with both cities as we cleanup General James Taylor Park and Randolph Park.
Free food, coffee, t-shirts, cleanup competition prizes and a happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus following the cleanup for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday September 6th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Location: General James Taylor Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport KY, 41071 Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3QBwiYNxXMFXPFf7
Registration: https://forms.gle/t33PD91qrgwGDooW6
Timeline:
8:30-9:00 am: Check-in at General James Taylor Park,
8:30-9:00 am: Welcome and Safety Instructions
9:15 am: Some volunteers will be shuttled to Randolph Park while others will stay at General James Taylor Park
12:00 pm: Cleanup ends
12:00-2:00 PM Lunch & happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus (add location)
We look forward to seeing you there.
Green River Fun Float & Paddle, October 4
CANCELLED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
We are excited to announce the Green River Fun Float & Paddle (canceled due to severe weather earlier this summer) is now rescheduled for Saturday, October 4th! Register Here. Participants will have opportunity to cleanup trash along the way. Free Food, Kayak Rental, and T-shirts for participating volunteers!
PLEASE NOTE
Everyone participating in this event is required to attend check in at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area for waiver signing, safety instructions, and grouping up prior to the first shuttle leaving towards Dennison Ferry.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Shuttle from Registration Area to Dennison Ferry for boat launch
Because of shuttle seats, there will be 2-3 total shuttles to get participants and their boats to the launch site at Dennison Ferry. Each shuttle ride will take approximately 20 minutes.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Float / Paddle from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
Once participants are safely on the water, they will paddle/float from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry, coving roughly 7 miles of riverway. We are encouraging our participants to enjoy the beautiful scenery, engage in thoughtful conversation, and grab any trash they see along the way! All participants MUST be out of the water at the Green River Ferry NO LATER than 4:00pm.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Boat Take-Out, Prize Awards, Free Food, and Event Conclusion
When participants arrive back at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area, there will be an opportunity for pictures, free food, and the awarding of our "weirdest item" contest! Participants should expect to be back at their vehicles and free to head out no later than 5:00pm.
We are excited to announce the Green River Fun Float & Paddle (canceled due to severe weather earlier this summer) is now rescheduled for Saturday, October 4th! Register Here. Participants will have opportunity to cleanup trash along the way. Free Food, Kayak Rental, and T-shirts for participating volunteers!
PLEASE NOTE
- Registration required.
- Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and should be able to paddle a single kayak for 4 hours. Double kayaks are not available. Event not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Everyone participating in this event is required to attend check in at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area for waiver signing, safety instructions, and grouping up prior to the first shuttle leaving towards Dennison Ferry.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Shuttle from Registration Area to Dennison Ferry for boat launch
Because of shuttle seats, there will be 2-3 total shuttles to get participants and their boats to the launch site at Dennison Ferry. Each shuttle ride will take approximately 20 minutes.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Float / Paddle from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
Once participants are safely on the water, they will paddle/float from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry, coving roughly 7 miles of riverway. We are encouraging our participants to enjoy the beautiful scenery, engage in thoughtful conversation, and grab any trash they see along the way! All participants MUST be out of the water at the Green River Ferry NO LATER than 4:00pm.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Boat Take-Out, Prize Awards, Free Food, and Event Conclusion
When participants arrive back at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area, there will be an opportunity for pictures, free food, and the awarding of our "weirdest item" contest! Participants should expect to be back at their vehicles and free to head out no later than 5:00pm.
Ohio River Basin Confluence October 16-18th
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Ohio River Basin Confluence Summit at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. The three day Summit is focused on clean water, river recreation, and thriving communities. If you have previously attended (or always wanted to attend) the KWA Kentucky Watershed Network Conference, this Summit is for you. We encourage not only professionals, but volunteers, concerned citizens, and anyone who is interested in the health of the Ohio River, its tributaries, and all the people who depend on these waters. In Kentucky, 97% of our waterways drain to the Ohio River and the Ohio River Basin as a whole includes 14 states. This is a great opportunity to get involved. Register now for early bird pricing through September 15 ($60.00 for regular tickets, $40.00 for students).
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Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection Plan Public Engagement Session: Louisville, Kentucky
We want to hear from you! Join KWA for an in person meeting to learn about the the Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection Plan and share your comments. Reserve your seat here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc.../viewform
97% of Kentucky's waters drain to the Ohio River, so this is plan impacts all of Kentucky, not just the counties that border the Ohio River. The plan supports solutions for cleaning up pollution, reducing runoff, restoring wildlife habitat, modernizing water infrastructure, mitigating the impacts of floods and the prevention of non-native, invasive species. Locally driven clean water priorities anchor the plan to ensure local workforce development and to help communities most impacted by pollution and environmental harm. The Basin encompasses portions of 14 states including Alabama, Georgia,Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Read the plan here: https://www.ohioriverbasinalliance.org/restoration-plan
The report is based on the work of a technical work group consisting of people from academia, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, utilities, businesses and other areas of expertise; community listening sessions in towns and cities; and outreach to Tribal Nations
This comprehensive report that recognizes the numerous environmental improvements in recent decades while calling attention to existing and emerging threats that command a basin-wide, collaborative effort to ensure drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant economies throughout the region. The report draws from the expertise of a diverse technical committee, including local, state, and regional agencies, academic institutions, industry, and non-governmental organizations, along with input from our Tribal partners and residents in the region who participated in community input sessions.
The plan will be open for public comment through July 18 at 6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central.
97% of Kentucky's waters drain to the Ohio River, so this is plan impacts all of Kentucky, not just the counties that border the Ohio River. The plan supports solutions for cleaning up pollution, reducing runoff, restoring wildlife habitat, modernizing water infrastructure, mitigating the impacts of floods and the prevention of non-native, invasive species. Locally driven clean water priorities anchor the plan to ensure local workforce development and to help communities most impacted by pollution and environmental harm. The Basin encompasses portions of 14 states including Alabama, Georgia,Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Read the plan here: https://www.ohioriverbasinalliance.org/restoration-plan
The report is based on the work of a technical work group consisting of people from academia, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, utilities, businesses and other areas of expertise; community listening sessions in towns and cities; and outreach to Tribal Nations
This comprehensive report that recognizes the numerous environmental improvements in recent decades while calling attention to existing and emerging threats that command a basin-wide, collaborative effort to ensure drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant economies throughout the region. The report draws from the expertise of a diverse technical committee, including local, state, and regional agencies, academic institutions, industry, and non-governmental organizations, along with input from our Tribal partners and residents in the region who participated in community input sessions.
The plan will be open for public comment through July 18 at 6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central.
Cumberland River Cleanup
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners KYEEC, Seaguar, KY State Parks, ORSANCO, Republic Bank, National Wildlife Foundation, and Joyce Garner Studio are so excited to announce our July 12th, 2025 Cumberland River Cleanup!
Join us to cleanup the Cumberland River and the surrounding areas of General Burnside Island State Park. Free food, coffee, t-shirts, and cleanup competition prizes for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday, July 12th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Park Address: 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519
Google maps link to boat ramp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k7bsG5QXYrsr3xiR7
Registration: https://forms.gle/mTCBkRkAgeUQcQbr7
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us to cleanup the Cumberland River and the surrounding areas of General Burnside Island State Park. Free food, coffee, t-shirts, and cleanup competition prizes for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday, July 12th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Park Address: 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519
Google maps link to boat ramp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k7bsG5QXYrsr3xiR7
Registration: https://forms.gle/mTCBkRkAgeUQcQbr7
We look forward to seeing you there!